What is a treatment for chrondomalacia patella?

Question

I was diagnosed with this condition when I was 15. I am now almost 19. I was also told I had torn the ACL, PCL, and MCL, as well as having a softening of the cartilege in my knee. My doctor said the only thing I could do is have arthroscopic surgery. He a;so told me by the time I was 30, I would need a total knee replacement. I wear knee braces and take NSAID's alot, they only help 60% of the time. I just need to find a joint pill or knee brace or both that will work. I don't want surgery now. Any help would be a start. Thanks.

Answer 1

fortunately for you there are an abundance of NSAIDS and steroidal anit-inflammatory meds and/or injections that can be prescribed.  

It's more so trial and error and can be tough on the stomach which is why I see MD's being conservative with this.

Otherwise, you have to ride this out or have the surgery.  

Lastly, if you don't like what your doctor is saying, you can always get a second opinion.  However, be prepared to hear the same thing.

Answer 2

You could try taking glucosamine for the cartilage health, try to avoid bending the knee under load beyond 90 degree,do lots of "proprioception" exercises (e.g. balancing on one leg) for the ligament damage. Do patella traction / lift exercises, make sure you VMO (vastus medialis oblique) muscle is strong - do rehap exercises for his if necessary.

Also investigate whether you have fallen arches or a pronated subtalar joint (heel) as this will affect the torsional strain through your knee.

Keep your quadriceps (thigh muscles) loose and elastic with massage or self massage, and make sure you distal hamstrings (particulary your short head of "biceps femoris") is flexible ~ if it isn't this will cause you to walk with  a slightly flexed knee thus inceasing the load on you patella (knee cap).

....Just some thoughts,

If you haven't already go and see a good physio (or other physical therpaist e.g. osteopath or sports injury specialist) who understands all the stuff I've mentioned above and will be able to check your biomechanics and muscle balance out thoroughly.